Stories & Features
Meet Danielle Hogancamp: Trade Compliance Navigator
Oct 22, 2025
by
IDEX Health & Science
Danielle Hogancamp, a Trade Compliance Manager at IDEX Health & Science, has built a nearly 30-year career on the complex, ever-changing world of international trade. While many might not know what goes on behind the scenes, Danielle’s work is essential: ensuring that IDEX Health & Science is in compliance with import, export, and trade regulations and requirements.
Danielle views her role as akin to an insurance policy. "My value is seen by not having things go wrong," she notes. Her day-to-day focus is preventing issues, making her expertise most visible when global factors—such as recent tariffs and international uncertainty—bring trade compliance to the forefront.
Danielle didn't start her career with trade compliance. She graduated with a degree in Spanish and Business, initially exploring opportunities in education. Her first job out of college was for a freight forwarder, a result of answering an ad for bilingual customer service. This unexpected entry opened the door to a new world. Over the years, she collected significant experience, working on the freight forwarder and broker side, eventually becoming a licensed customs broker. She then shifted to importer/exporter and gained experience across different transportation modes, including ocean, air, truck, and train. This breadth of knowledge allows her to navigate the trade compliance industry with a 360-degree view.
The Power of Teamwork at IDEX Health & Science
What drew Danielle to her current role at IDEX Health & Science was the organizational structure and support. After years of being the sole "expert" where all responsibility rested on her shoulders, she values the ability to work within a team.
"I like not being the ultimate power," she says, emphasizing the benefit of having a legal umbrella, a supportive manager, and knowledgeable colleagues. This team element is so effective they've coined themselves the "dream team," leveraging individual strengths—like Danielle's import expertise or a colleague’s skill in export jurisdiction—to offer comprehensive support.
Currently, one of the biggest challenges in her industry are the continually changing tariff regulations. New federal regulations are often put into effect so quickly that not all ramifications are vetted, leading to scenarios where compliance is left to sort out the implications. This means trade compliance professionals must be vigilant, relying on human expertise to catch errors and ensure accuracy. Working with a strong, collaborative team is key to keeping up with that ever-evolving climate.
Advice for Aspiring Compliance Professionals
For anyone looking to get into trade compliance, Danielle advises finding a place with a strong mentor system or a robust, established program. Because the field is so complex and specialized, it's essential to have experienced people above or alongside you who can provide guidance and knowledge. As Danielle says, “you don't know what you don't know,” and having that institutional wisdom in place is key to a successful start.
Danielle lives in Rochester, NY, enjoys spending time with her two college-bound kids, volleyball, jigsaw puzzles, the gym, and making volunteer visits with her therapy dog and #1 partner, Cooper, who also happens to be a part of the IDEX Health & Science team!